In a stunning turn of events that left both judges and viewers reeling, Strictly Come Dancing delivered one of its most shocking results of the season during Sunday's results show. Frontrunners Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin, who had dazzled audiences with their perfect-scoring Charleston just hours earlier, found themselves fighting for survival in the dreaded dance-off.
Leaderboard Leaders Face Unthinkable Bottom Two
The Bad Education star and his professional partner had dominated Saturday's performance show with their spectacular routine to 'Fit as a Fiddle' from Singin' in the Rain, earning a near-perfect 39 points and tying for the top position on the leaderboard. Yet in a cruel twist of fate, the public vote saw them plummet into the bottom two alongside TV presenter Angela Scanlon and her partner Carlos Gu.
Judges' Unanimous Decision Sends Angela Packing
The dance-off created an agonising dilemma for the judging panel, with both couples reprising their Saturday performances. Layton and Nikita delivered another electrifying Charleston, while Angela and Carlos performed their American Smooth to 'You Make Me Feel So Young'.
Head judge Shirley Ballas didn't hesitate in her decision, stating: "Well for me, one couple nailed the performance, the choreography, the energy, the rhythm, the characterisation, and for me, that couple is Layton and Nikita."
Craig Revel Horwood agreed, praising the pair's "absolutely perfect timing" and "fantastic performance", while Motsi Mabuse called it "a difficult decision" but ultimately backed the stronger technical performance.
Emotional Farewell for Angela Scanlon
Following her elimination, an emotional Angela Scanlon reflected on her Strictly journey: "It has been the most incredible experience. I'm genuinely so grateful. Carlos, you are so special. You're so talented and so kind and so patient."
Her professional partner Carlos Gu responded with equal warmth: "It's been an absolute pleasure and honour to share the stage with this gorgeous, gorgeous woman every single week."
Public Vote Continues to Deliver Surprises
This latest shock result highlights the unpredictable nature of the public vote, proving that even topping the leaderboard offers no guarantee of safety. As the competition intensifies heading into the quarter-finals, every performance and public vote becomes increasingly crucial for the remaining celebrities.
The remaining couples will return to the dancefloor next weekend, no doubt feeling the pressure more than ever following this weekend's dramatic elimination.
